Looking for an easy, family-friendly meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious? This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the perfect solution! It’s a simple, hearty dish made with seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Read on for the recipe, variations, substitutions, and presentation ideas.

What is Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef?
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a savory, baked dish that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy tater tots, all topped with melted cheese. This classic casserole is known for its crunchy top, creamy interior, and comforting flavors. It's incredibly easy to make and can be customized with different veggies, cheeses, or sauces.
Ingredients List for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
To make this Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef works well for this casserole.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds flavor and texture.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – For added flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Provides creaminess and flavor.
- ½ cup milk – Helps thin the soup to the right consistency.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds richness and tang.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables – Peas, carrots, and corn are great options.
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots – The star of the dish, providing a crispy top.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – For that perfect cheesy topping.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami to the ground beef.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – For extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients List for Optional Additions
To customize your Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef, consider adding these ingredients:
- ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled – For extra flavor and crunch.
- ½ cup diced bell pepper – Adds color and sweetness.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms – Adds an earthy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce – For a bit of spice.
- 1 cup spinach – For a nutritious boost.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat and a cream of mushroom soup substitute for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Different Cheese: Try swapping the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for added flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheese for a lactose-free version.
- Tater Tot Alternatives: Use sweet potato tater tots for a twist or shredded hash browns for a different texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add Onions and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
4. Mix the Soup Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir until smooth. Add the frozen vegetables to the soup mixture and stir to combine.
5. Assemble the Casserole
In the greased baking dish, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Pour the soup and vegetable mixture over the ground beef, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add the Tater Tots and Cheese
Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the casserole. You can neatly line them up for a more organized look or scatter them for a rustic appearance. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots.
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to scoop.
How to Cook Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick breakdown of how to cook Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:
- Cook the beef with onions, garlic, and seasonings.
- Prepare the soup mixture by mixing cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream with vegetables.
- Layer the casserole with ground beef, soup mixture, tater tots, and cheese.
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Soggy Tater Tots: Be sure to bake the casserole long enough for the tater tots to become crispy. If necessary, finish with a few minutes under the broiler.
- Not Draining the Beef: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Using Frozen Vegetables Without Thawing: If your vegetables are frozen in large chunks, make sure to break them up or thaw them slightly to ensure even cooking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key, even with a simple dish like this casserole. Here are some tips to elevate your Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef:
- Neat Tater Tot Arrangement: Arrange the tater tots in neat rows for a cleaner, more polished look.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the rich casserole with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
How to Serve Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides:
- Family-Style: Serve directly from the baking dish at the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves.
- With Sides: Serve alongside a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, ketchup, hot sauce, or barbecue sauce for guests to customize their servings.
Presentation Ideas for Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef
- Crispy, Golden Tots: Make sure the tater tots on top are golden and crispy for a visually appealing, crunchy finish.
- Layer Visibility: When cutting into the casserole, aim for clean slices to show off the distinct layers of beef, soup, and tater tots.
- Cheesy Drizzle: Let some cheese melt down the sides of the casserole for an ooey-gooey, mouthwatering look.
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
- Freeze for Later: Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Extra Crispiness: If you love extra crispy tater tots, consider baking the tater tots separately for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply cover it and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For
a heartier meal, you can serve it with baked beans or coleslaw.
4. How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.
5. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Be sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are fully tender when baked.
Conclusion
This Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. It's easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you're preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness that your family will love!
PrintTater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef is a classic comfort food combining seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and crispy tater tots, topped with melty cheese. This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. Keywords: Tater tot casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Frozen tater tots
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet with chopped onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the soup mixture over the beef.
- Layer frozen tater tots on top in an even layer.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are crispy.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a layer of vegetables like green beans or corn between the beef and tater tots. You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
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